Dolph, Quigley guide Caln past Exton

WEST GOSHEN -- Strong pitching by Caln’s Ryan Dolph and Exton’s Alex Savini made for a quick, low-scoring Chester County Legion game Wednesday. But, while the Bandits (7-4) were stymied by Dolph’s four-hit pitching, the Seabees (5-6) generated just enough offense thanks to Francis Quigley’s two-run homer to post a 3-1 victory at Owens Field.

Seabees’ ace Ryan Dolph took the mound for only his second start of the season and was efficient allowing only four hits through a complete game.

“He came in focused and was ready to pitch and he pitched well,” said Caln manager Howie Gatchel.

While Dolph allowed a limited amount of hits, his stat line was not something that would jump off the page. He struck out only one batter and walked one. Yet, he forced 12 Bandits to record fly outs.

“Everything seemed like it was working for him,” Gatchel said.

The off-speed pitches caused nothing but frustration for the home squad as it was unable to adjust to Dolph all game.

“Our kids were anxious, eager, they’re on their front foot,” said Exton manager Steve Smith. “We kept biting on it and he (Dolph) threw strikes all day.”

Dolph got some early help as the Seabees struck in the top of the first inning. Leadoff man Chris O’Hagan began the outing with a single up the middle. Two batters later, catcher Corey Kern succeeded in a hit and run with a single forcing O’Hagan to third base. After a Justin Moore walk to load the bases and O’Hagan being tagged out at home plate on a fielder’s choice, chaos struck.

Exton pitcher Alex Savini threw a low pitch causing a passed ball. Kern, who was on third base, darted for home, but quickly turned around as catcher Ryan Hooven grabbed the baseball and tossed it to Savini. As Kern retreated, teammate Justin Moore was standing on third base after advancing from second. Moore bolted back to second base as Savini changed his focus from getting Kern out to Moore. The throw was late to second as Moore slid under the tag. As that exchange happened, Kern ran back home and crossed the plate safely without a throw to give Caln a 1-0 lead.

In the bottom of the second, the Bandits made its only dent in Dolph’s stellar outing. Justin Wright hit a single down the third-base line and then move to second on a passed ball. Nick Palczuk followed with a single to left field driving in Wright to tie the game at one.

Both pitchers held the teams at bay until the top of the fifth. Ben Fuller ledoff the frame getting hit by a pitch. One batter later, Quigley hit an 0-1 pitch to left field for a two-run homer that snapped the tie and give Caln a 3-1 advantage.

Dolph’s change in speed with his pitches was the weakness for Exton as they struggled to put the ball in play as they could manage hust one hit in the last three innings.

“It was a different look for us and we didn’t make any adjustments to what he was doing. Kid did a great job,” Smith said.

Alex Savini’s strong outing, allowing only three hits, went overlooked in the defeat.